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Trip from Nederland, CO to Colorado Springs, CO

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

2h 22m

Distance

110.7 mi

178 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$17

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 30 min
4 AM
2h 13m ★
6 AM
2h 23m
8 AM
2h 43m
10 AM
2h 30m
12 PM
2h 28m
3 PM
2h 31m
5 PM
2h 42m
8 PM
2h 17m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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Downtown Nederland, CO, CO

Nederland, CO

Job1505 De waal

Trip Overview

This 110.7-mile drive from Nederland, Colorado, to Colorado Springs, Colorado, is a straightforward day trip, estimated to take about 2 hours and 22 minutes. You'll navigate a blend of local roads and some highway stretches, with a relatively low 13% highway share. The estimated fuel cost for this journey is around $17. The profile is described as 'turn-heavy local drive,' suggesting you'll be actively steering for much of the way. Given its manageable length and duration, this route is perfectly suited for a single day of travel, allowing ample time to explore your destination without needing an overnight stay. Both Nederland and Colorado Springs are situated within the Mountain West region, so you'll remain in familiar territory throughout this scenic Colorado excursion.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

55.4 miles from Nederland, CO

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 20m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
North Valley Highway 60.6 mi 1h 5m
Coal Creek Canyon Drive 18.6 mi 30m
West 6th Avenue 9.1 mi 11m
CO 93 8.2 mi 12m
Monument Valley Freeway 5.9 mi 6m
Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway 3 mi 4m
Peak-to-Peak Highway 2.7 mi 5m
US 6 0.6 mi <1m
Longest stretch: North Valley Highway — 60.6 mi, about 1h 5m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Nederland, CO and Colorado Springs, CO.

1

Start on CO 119; CO 72

0.2 mi · 37 sec · North Bridge Street
2

Continue on CO 119; CO 72

2.7 mi · 5 min · Peak-to-Peak Highway
3

Turn sharp left onto CO 72

19 mi · 30 min · Coal Creek Canyon Drive
4

Take the ramp

339 ft · 9 sec
5

Merge onto CO 93

0.7 mi · 1 min · CO 93
6

Continue on CO 93

7.5 mi · 11 min · CO 93
Use the left / straight lanes.
7

Continue on US 6

2.9 mi · 4 min · Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway
Use the straight lane.
8

Continue on US 6

0.1 mi · 12 sec · Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Continue on US 6

9.1 mi · 11 min · West 6th Avenue
Use the left lane.
10

Take the exit onto US 6

0.6 mi · 59 sec · US 6
Toward I 25: Fort Collins, Colorado Springs Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 1 min
Toward I 25 South: Colorado Springs
12

Merge onto I 25

61 mi · 1 hr 5 min · North Valley Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

Continue on I 25

5.9 mi · 6 min · Monument Valley Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 30 sec
Exit 142 Toward Bijou Street Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Keep slight left at fork

495 ft · 14 sec
Toward I 25: Downtown Use the straight / left lanes.
16

Turn left onto West Bijou Street

0.2 mi · 26 sec · West Bijou Street
Use the left / straight lanes.
17

Continue on West Kiowa Street

0.2 mi · 35 sec · West Kiowa Street
18

Continue on East Kiowa Street

0.3 mi · 1 min · East Kiowa Street
19

Turn right onto North Weber Street

490 ft · 17 sec · North Weber Street
20

Turn right onto East Pikes Peak Avenue

422 ft · 14 sec · East Pikes Peak Avenue
21

Arrive at destination

East Pikes Peak Avenue

Trip Plan

This 110.7-mile journey is best tackled in a single day, so you have flexibility with your departure time. Leaving Nederland in the morning will allow you to reach Colorado Springs with plenty of daylight. While the total duration is just over two hours, consider breaking up the drive with a brief stop, especially since the longest stretch without a turn is 60.6 miles. Factor in the $17 fuel cost, ensuring your tank is full before you leave Nederland to avoid unnecessary detours. A practical tip: pay close attention to signage on Coal Creek Canyon Drive, as its 'turn-heavy' nature means you'll want to be sure you're following the correct path to Colorado Springs.

Morning Departure

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.

Evening Departure

Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 55.4 miles from Nederland, CO, or about 1h 20m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 60.6 miles.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

Departure

Before you leave

Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.

First stop

Around 24 miles or 40m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 55.4 miles or 1h 20m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 1h 58m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Colorado Springs, CO than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Nederland, CO so your first major turns are already loaded.

+

Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.

+

Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Nederland, CO

This is one driving day of about 110.7 miles and 2h 22m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 24 miles from Nederland, CO.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on North Valley Highway for about 60.6 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Downtown Applewood, CO, CO

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Applewood, CO

55 mi into the route

Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset

This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.

Popular next leg

Applewood, CO to Colorado Springs, CO

78.5 mi · 1h 35m

Pacing Suggestions

Applewood, CO

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 24 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Greenwood Village, CO

Meal break

The midpoint is around 55.4 miles from Nederland, CO, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before North Valley Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 60.6 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Tikka & Grill, Nepali and Indian Food

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Denver, Colorado

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour Moderately mile 47.5

Hours: 11 am–9:15 pm

+17204767144

Visit website

Tikka & Grill, Nepali and Indian Food

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour Moderately mile 47.5

Denver, Colorado

Hours: 11 am–9:15 pm

+17204767144

Visit website

Phở Hậu Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 39.5

Lakewood, Colorado

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+13039880755

Corridor 44 Champagne Bar and Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour $50 to $60 mile 39.5

Denver, Colorado

Hours: 3 pm–2 am

+13038930044

Visit website

Old Town Hot Pot

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour $20 to $30 mile 47.5

Aurora, Colorado

Hours: 11:30 am–9:30 pm

+13036580870

Visit website

Pulpit Rock Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 102.8

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Hours: 5 am–9 pm

+17193855940

Visit website

Rock Park

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 71.2

Castle Rock, Colorado

Hours: 5 am–11 pm

+17207332260

Visit website

Castle Rock Adventure Park

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 71.2

Castle Rock, CO

+17207339477

Visit website

Larkspur Community Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 79.1

Larkspur, Colorado

Hours: 6 am–8 pm

+13036812324

Visit website

Clear Creek White Water Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 31.6

Golden, Colorado

Hours: Open 24 hours

+13033848000

Visit website

Museum of Outdoor Arts

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 55.4

Greenwood Village, Colorado

+13038060444

Visit website

Belmar Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 39.5

Lakewood, Colorado

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+13039877800

Visit website

Battlefield Colorado

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 102.8

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Hours: Closed

+17192592257

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 10

5 decision points cluster between mile 2.9 and 109.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
2.9 mi into trip | ~6m in | CO 72 / Coal Creek Canyon Drive

Turn sharp left onto CO 72 / Coal Creek Canyon Drive

Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach

7
41.9 mi into trip | ~1h 5m in | US 6

Take the exit onto US 6 toward I 25: Fort Collins, Colorado Springs

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 25: Fort Collins, Colorado Springs
5
43.1 mi into trip | ~1h 7m in | I 25 / North Valley Highway

Merge onto I 25 / North Valley Highway

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
109.6 mi into trip | ~2h 19m in

Take the exit toward Bijou Street

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 142 Toward Bijou Street
8
109.8 mi into trip | ~2h 20m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 25: Downtown

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / left lanes. Toward I 25: Downtown

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$16.68 one way

$33.36 round trip

$3.83/gal 25.4 MPG avg 39 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.05 $17.66 $35.32
premium $4.39 $19.15 $38.30
diesel $5.61 $24.44 $48.88

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$17

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$42–$67

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 38.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $12 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 33.2 0 $11.62 $5.31
Efficient EV 27.7 0 $9.69 $4.43
EV Truck/SUV 44.3 0 $15.50 $7.08

Gas CO2

39 kg

EV CO2

13 kg (67% less)

This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.

DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.

Travel Intel

Current conditions at both ends of the drive.

Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Nederland, CO

Late night in Nederland on Sunday

Local time

4:13 AM

MDT

Current temp

37°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Colorado Springs, CO

Late night in Colorado Springs on Sunday

Local time

4:13 AM

MDT

Current temp

44°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Seasonal Notes

Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.

Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.

Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.

Time zone

Same local time

Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.

Temperature spread

7 degrees warmer at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

2h 22m on the road

Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument

Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument

National Monument

Beneath a grassy mountain valley in central Colorado lies one of the richest and most diverse fossil deposits in the world. Petrified redwood stumps up to 14 feet wide and thousands of detailed fossil...

24 mi from route ~60 min detour $10 near mile 109.3
View on nps.gov
Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park

National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park's 415 square miles (265,807 acres) encompasses a spectacular range of mountain environments. From meadows found in the montane life zone to glistening alpine lakes and up...

29 mi from route ~72 min detour $30
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a 'turn-heavy local drive' for this 110.7-mile trip. With only 13% of the route on highways, you'll spend most of your time on local roads like North Valley Highway and Coal Creek Canyon Drive, with West 6th Avenue also forming part of the path. The longest uninterrupted stretch is 60.6 miles on North Valley Highway, but be prepared for frequent adjustments and steering. This isn't a high-speed, monotonous cruise; rather, it's a route that demands your attention and engagement behind the wheel, making it feel more intimate and connected to the landscape.

Only 13% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
21 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 60.6 mi on North Valley Highway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

7/10

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 2.9 miles in near CO 72 / Coal Creek Canyon Drive.

Driving Effort 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 10 significant decision points across 110.7 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 2.9 miles (CO 72 / Coal Creek Canyon Drive): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach; at 41.9 miles (US 6): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 43.1 miles (I 25 / North Valley Highway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 22m. Total distance: 110.7 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 22m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Scenic Drive

Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 60.6 miles on North Valley Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Colorado Springs, CO before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.

Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

The main spots that need attention: at 2.9 miles (CO 72 / Coal Creek Canyon Drive): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach; at 41.9 miles (US 6): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 43.1 miles (I 25 / North Valley Highway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

Yes — Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument and Rocky Mountain National Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Colorado Springs, CO before heading back.

How this page is built

Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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Colorado Springs, CO to Nederland, CO

Plan the drive back the other way.

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